Deebo Samuel’s first appearance in a 49ers uniform this fall began with a statement familiar to 49ers fans.
The second-year receiver sat on the 49ers bench during the playing of the national anthem ahead of the team’s Sunday Night Football matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles. Next to him sat rookie wideout Brandon Aiyuk.
Running back Jerick McKinnon took a knee in front of the young receivers, and wide receiver Mohamed Sanu raised his fist while standing next to the trio. Two other 49ers receivers, Kendrick Bourne and Dante Pettis, stood alongside the group but did not make a visible demonstration.
#49ers wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk sit on the bench during national anthem. Jerick McKinnon took a knee and Mohamed Sanu held up a fist pic.twitter.com/FF1NSuq92E
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) October 5, 2020
Across the field, seven Philadelphia Eagles players knelt during the anthem, apparently with their arms linked.
McKinnon also knelt or squatted down during the anthem before the Niners’ season opener this year, demonstrating alongside receiver Richie James, Jr.
Aside from McKinnon, this was the first home game for all the demonstrating 49ers. Aiyuk debuted in a Week 2 win over the Jets — Sanu dressed for that game after signing with the Niners, but didn’t see a snap until Week 3 against the Giants.
Samuel came off the injured reserve list Saturday after suffering a fracture in his foot during the offseason. James, who demonstrated in Week 1, is on injured reserve with a leg injury.
Since Week 1, broadcast networks have shied away from showing demonstrations. Sunday night, NBC did not show the anthem performance or demonstrations.
